This translation has not been editorially reviewed yet. The German version is authoritative. Deutsche Fassung →
Loading layers that never disappear: when the body stays invisible
The check establishes whether page content stays hidden behind a loading indicator or a fade-in layer. Layers like this are often tied to a script — if it doesn't run, the layer stays, and the page is empty.
- Typical are fade-in animations that first set the body to invisible and fade it back in via script. If the script fails, the effect turns into a block.
- The same construction hits visitors with a weak connection: the layer stays until everything has loaded. What was meant as polish extends the perceived wait time.
- This finding is closely related to content in the first HTML: both describe states where delivered content is present but not perceivable.
FAQ
Are loading animations inherently bad?
No. It's only a problem when they cover the content and their resolution depends on a script. An indicator next to the content is harmless.
How do I test this myself?
Switch off scripts in the browser and reload the page. If it stays empty or covered, the finding is reproduced.